Hawaiian pizza is a unique and polarizing creation that has earned a devoted following worldwide. Known for its bold combination of sweet pineapple and savory ham, this pizza is a delightful clash of flavors that might just surprise your taste buds.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the idea of fruit on pizza, this recipe will guide you through creating an irresistibly delicious Hawaiian pizza from scratch. Plus, we’ll answer some common questions and offer tips for making this dish your own.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F or 43°C)
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for rolling)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for added flavor)
- 1 tablespoon cornmeal (for dusting)
For the Pizza:
- 1 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (preferably whole milk mozzarella for a creamier texture)
- 1 1/2 cups cooked ham, diced (or prosciutto for a fancier option)
- 1 cup canned pineapple chunks, drained (or fresh pineapple, cut into small pieces)
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced (optional, for added depth of flavor)
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
- Olive oil (for brushing the crust)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. If the mixture doesn’t foam, it may mean the yeast is expired, and you'll need to use fresh yeast.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and garlic powder (if using). Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a dough starts to form. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much—this can make the dough tough.
Once kneaded, shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
2. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pizza Stone or Baking Sheet
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven as it preheats for a crispier crust. If not, a regular baking sheet works just fine—just be sure to line it with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
3. Shape the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air bubbles. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and divide it into two equal portions for two smaller pizzas or keep it whole for a large pizza. Roll the dough out into your desired shape, about 12 inches in diameter for a large pizza, or 8-9 inches for individual ones.
If you like a thicker crust, stop rolling once you’ve reached your desired thickness. For a thinner crust, roll the dough out a bit more. Transfer the shaped dough to your prepared baking sheet or pizza stone.
4. Assemble the Pizza
Now it’s time to assemble the pizza. Start by spreading a thin layer of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust. Be careful not to use too much sauce, as it can make the pizza soggy.
Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, ensuring every inch of the pizza is covered with that delicious, melty cheese. Then, add the ham, pineapple chunks, and red onion (if using). Distribute the ingredients evenly to ensure each bite has a perfect balance of toppings.
5. Bake the Pizza
Transfer your assembled pizza to the preheated oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned. Keep an eye on the pizza during the last few minutes of baking to ensure it doesn’t burn.
If you’re using a pizza stone, slide the pizza onto the stone with the help of a pizza peel or the back of a baking sheet. If you’re using a baking sheet, just place it directly in the oven.
6. Finishing Touches
Once the pizza is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes. For extra flavor, brush the crust with a little olive oil to give it a glossy, golden finish. You can also sprinkle fresh basil over the top for a burst of color and flavor.
Slice and serve hot, and enjoy the delicious combination of sweet pineapple, savory ham, and melted mozzarella!
Tips for Perfect Hawaiian Pizza
Use Quality Ingredients: The key to a great Hawaiian pizza lies in using high-quality ingredients. Opt for fresh mozzarella instead of pre-shredded cheese, as it melts beautifully and creates a creamier texture. If you can, choose premium ham or even try prosciutto for a slightly more sophisticated twist.
Control the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet pizza, use fewer pineapple chunks or even drain the pineapple juice to reduce excess moisture. Alternatively, you can roast the pineapple in the oven for 10-15 minutes to caramelize it and intensify its flavor.
Homemade Pizza Sauce: While store-bought pizza sauce is convenient, making your own sauce can elevate the flavor. A simple homemade pizza sauce with crushed tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and herbs will add a fresh, vibrant taste that complements the pineapple and ham.
Go Thin or Thick: Customize the crust to your liking. For a thin, crispy crust, roll the dough out as thin as possible, and for a chewier, thicker crust, leave the dough a little thicker around the edges.
Experiment with Toppings: While the classic Hawaiian pizza is made with pineapple and ham, you can get creative. Add cooked bacon for extra smokiness, or try swapping out the ham for shredded chicken or even a little jalapeño for a spicy kick.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Where did Hawaiian pizza come from?
Hawaiian pizza was created in 1962 by Sam Panopoulos, a Greek immigrant to Canada, who decided to put canned pineapple on a pizza at his restaurant, the Satellite Restaurant in Chatham, Ontario. The name "Hawaiian" comes from the brand of canned pineapple he used at the time.
2. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, fresh pineapple can absolutely be used! In fact, it often has a more intense flavor. Just be sure to cut it into small chunks and pat it dry to remove excess moisture, which can make your pizza soggy.
3. Is Hawaiian pizza gluten-free?
Traditional Hawaiian pizza is not gluten-free because it uses regular pizza dough. However, you can easily make a gluten-free version by using gluten-free pizza dough or buying pre-made gluten-free crusts from the store.
4. Can I make the pizza in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the pizza dough ahead of time, let it rise, and store it in the fridge for up to 48 hours. You can also assemble the pizza, refrigerate it, and bake it the next day. Just be sure to bring the pizza to room temperature before baking for the best results.
5. How do I prevent the pizza from getting soggy?
To prevent a soggy pizza, be sure to drain the pineapple well before adding it to the pizza. If you’re using fresh pineapple, make sure to pat it dry with a paper towel. Additionally, don’t overload the pizza with sauce or cheese—this will help keep the crust crispy.
6. Can I use other types of meat on Hawaiian pizza?
Yes! While ham is traditional, you can experiment with other meats like bacon, chicken, or even sausage. Grilled chicken, in particular, pairs well with the sweetness of the pineapple.
7. How do I make a vegan version of Hawaiian pizza?
To make a vegan Hawaiian pizza, simply use dairy-free cheese (like vegan mozzarella) and swap the ham for plant-based alternatives like vegan deli slices or even sautéed mushrooms. Pineapple is naturally vegan-friendly, so that part of the pizza stays the same!
Conclusion
Hawaiian pizza is a crowd-pleasing dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors. With its crispy crust, melty cheese, and delicious combination of ham and pineapple, it’s no wonder this pizza has earned a place in kitchens around the world. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or put your own spin on it, making Hawaiian pizza from scratch is a fun and rewarding experience. Serve it up at your next pizza night and enjoy the tropical flavors that have made this pizza a global favorite!
Happy pizza making!
Post a Comment